Hyperphosphatemia and Hypocalcemia in Burkitt Lymphoma

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Abstract
Burkitt lymphoma is a unique tumor because of its unusual growth characteristics and its potential for allowing patients long-term survival with the use of single-agent chemotherapy. Previous reports have identified unusual and serious metabolic abnormalities that are a consequence of the basic disease and its treatment, including hyperkalemia,1 hyperuricemia,2 and lactic acidosis.3 In this report, we describe two patients with Burkitt lymphoma in whom we encountered two previously unrecognized, to our knowledge, serious metabolic complications of the treatment of this disease, hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia. Recognition and management of these complications during the initial phase of therapy may prove lifesaving for the patient. Patient Summaries Patient 1. —A white boy, 6 years 9 months old, was admitted to the National Cancer Institute in August 1967 for evaluation and therapy of Burkitt lymphoma. The patient had complained of intermittent nonspecific abdominal pain for several months and four weeks prior

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